Chapter Fifty: Cherished by All, The Trust of Family

Within the imperial palace, Su Ruoxi stood surrounded by the Exquisite Saintess and the Reincarnation Saintess as their guardians. The Danxia Saintess was busy preparing immortal medicine to nourish the fetus and protect the mother’s body. This lavish entourage encircled her like stars orbiting the moon.

Each fulfilled her role with seamless coordination, forming an unbreakable defensive barrier that shielded Su Ruoxi and her unborn child with utmost care, embodying supreme reverence and concern for the Mother of the Nation.

Moreover, an imperial-level protector stood atop the palace’s grand hall, his imposing presence enveloping the surroundings. He was alert to the slightest disturbance, able to perceive any hint of trouble instantly.

He stood like a towering mountain beside Su Ruoxi, blocking all potential threats and intrusions, allowing her to rest and nurture her child without distraction from external turmoil.

“My husband is truly considerate. After all, I’m just pregnant. As a cultivator, no matter my state, I can protect the child with my own spiritual power. You may send them all away,” Su Ruoxi said to Jiang Cheng, her tone warm yet slightly helpless, worried that the others might be overexerting themselves. She wished to let them rest.

But the Exquisite Saintess was the first to step forward firmly. “No! Sister, you carry the Dragon Child. Not a single mistake can be allowed. Do not forget, you are not only the Mother of the Nation but also the most esteemed Saintess of the Exquisite Sacred Land. We cannot afford any negligence. It is my duty.”

Her words brimmed with loyalty and responsibility, a resolute declaration of her unwavering determination to protect Su Ruoxi.

The others quickly echoed her sentiment. “As consorts of His Majesty, it is our duty to protect the Emperor and the Mother of the Nation. We cannot shirk our responsibilities now. Brewing medicine is but a small hardship.”

Their eyes shone with firm resolve and dedication, proud and honored to guard Su Ruoxi without a trace of complaint or slackening.

Su Ruoxi smiled gently. “You’ve all improved greatly these past months. Very well, if you wish to stay, then stay. I’m just not used to having so many around.”

Her words carried a motherly kindness and indulgence, no longer the proud Empress but a gentle mother warmly embracing their care and protection.

Jiang Cheng, a man from the modern world, enjoyed this atmosphere. He was well accustomed to being surrounded and tended to by many.

A warm current surged within him, feeling immense happiness and gratitude for such loyal and attentive guardians for both himself and Su Ruoxi.

“Ah, Madam, you must rest well for the child’s sake. No sudden movements—your status now is precious indeed,” Jiang Chen said with careful concern.

Seeing Su Ruoxi slowly rise and approach, he snapped back to attention and hurried to support her, afraid a single step might strain her body.

It was almost unimaginable how this once mighty emperor, who had subdued countless saintly sons and daughters with imperial might, now became a cautious guardian delicately protecting his beloved.

Yet this intimate, ordinary moment made the Exquisite Saintess frown slightly, as if the atmosphere felt somewhat unfamiliar.

Her brows furrowed lightly, a flicker of displeasure passing through her eyes, though she found it hard to voice. She seemed uneasy with such closeness.

The Reincarnation Saintess noticed this expression, as if no subtle change in her gaze escaped her perceptive insight.

Usually taciturn, she rarely spoke except to Jiang Cheng, and even Su Ruoxi only saw her smile and silent demeanor, as if shielding herself from worldly distractions.

But now the Reincarnation Saintess suddenly spoke, “The Exquisite Saintess has repeatedly sent secret messages through the spiritual beast and flying creatures. Surely this is to report to the Exquisite Sacred Land?”

Her voice was calm and serene, yet like a stone cast into still waters, it stirred ripples that caused everyone present to glance at her with surprise and suspicion.

The Exquisite Saintess trembled, abruptly loosening her grip on Su Ruoxi’s wrist and stepping back awkwardly, unsure how to address her sister.

Her expression was like a child caught doing wrong, helpless and pitiable, evoking a pang of sympathy.

Gone was the fierce war goddess who had secured three consecutive victories; now she seemed fragile and uneasy, a stark contrast that spoke to the unpredictability of fate and the complexity of the human heart.

“I... Sister, I—” the Exquisite Saintess’s voice was barely a whisper, tinged with apology and anxiety, as if seeking forgiveness from Su Ruoxi.

Su Ruoxi, sensing her plight, smiled gently with understanding and tolerance.

“You have stayed with me so long; it’s only right you return to visit the Ancestor. I suppose she will soon emerge from seclusion.”

Her words bore no reproach, only care and blessing, as if genuinely pleased that the Exquisite Saintess would soon reunite with the Ancestor.

Lowering her head, the Exquisite Saintess asked softly, “Sister, do you not blame me for secretly sending messages?” Her tone trembled with apprehension, awaiting judgment.

Su Ruoxi shook her head, a fond light shimmering in her eyes. “How could I blame you? Besides, it’s no great matter. Everyone knows about Jiang Cheng’s affairs. You’ve been here so long, you understand his character well. Do you think he wouldn’t know your actions?”

Her words carried confidence and assurance, implying Jiang Cheng was fully aware yet unconcerned.

The Exquisite Saintess glanced sideways at Jiang Chen, who simply smiled gently at her without comment, his demeanor silently confirming Jiang Cheng bore no resentment.

Relieved, gratitude welled up in her heart.

“Rest assured, you are not a prisoner here. We do not restrict your freedom nor forbid whom you associate with. If you wish to speak, my husband and I will listen as family; if you choose silence, we will pretend not to notice and won’t pry into your private matters.”

Such words were clearly not Su Ruoxi’s alone but echoed what Jiang Cheng had once told her in this same manner.

A wise woman, the Exquisite Saintess immediately grasped the meaning, transforming the awkward atmosphere into one of familial intimacy.

She secretly admired the man’s methods and strength, understanding none had supervised her since she arrived; every saint and saintess here came voluntarily.

Those who had caused trouble were disciplined and sent back half a month ago.

Yet some chose to join the Xia Kingdom, attracted by generous rewards in the martial contests.

Indeed, Xia’s new benefits were enticing.

Unlike the sacred lands that reserved rare treasures and alchemical medicines for only the best, here rewards accumulated based on personal contribution.

This gave diligent but often overlooked individuals hope and opportunity.

They naturally preferred to remain rather than return.

After all, the major sacred lands had remained inactive, and with the recent marriage alliances of the nine great saintesses, all rationally agreed Xia Kingdom had secured a place among them.

As a city with imperial legacy, possessing imperial pill formulas and guarded by an emperor at the Calamity Extinction Realm, Xia Kingdom promised a century of peace and prosperity—unless elder sovereigns or those monsters descended personally.

However, Su Ruoxi remained unaware of the contents exchanged between the Exquisite Saintess and the Exquisite Sacred Lord.

“I am treated well by you, Sister. How could I hide anything? I wanted to tell you but didn’t know how. Now I should thank the Reincarnation Saintess for resolving my dilemma.”

The Exquisite Saintess felt a great burden lifted, gratitude shining through her words.

The perceptive Reincarnation Saintess replied calmly, “No thanks. When desire is sincere, the heart will not deceive you. I hope you exchange your heart for mine and look beyond appearances.”

Her words hinted at deeper meaning, guiding the Exquisite Saintess and reminding her that as family, there should be no suspicion—only openness and honesty.

Only then did the Exquisite Saintess realize they had always trusted her, the outsider, while she herself had harbored doubts.

Recalling her earlier letters—initial dissatisfaction and resistance, gradually leaning toward Xia Kingdom, and finally genuine acceptance—she acknowledged her inner transformation, though the Sacred Lord had been furious.

Yet the letter she now held contained some unspoken difficulties.

She took it from her sleeve and handed it to Su Ruoxi, eyes full of apology and sincerity, silently saying, “Sister, this is the correspondence between the Sacred Lord and me. Please take a look.”